Tohorā

This major artwork was commissioned by our Public Art Panel, after consultation with mana whenua and the Paraparaumu and Raumati communities. It was installed and blessed in June 2020.

Tohorā is by internationally known artist Kereama Taepa. This stunning multi-media work is integrated into Maclean Park – where Kahe te Rau o te Rangi swam from Kāpiti Island to warn her whānau of impending attack, making it a particularly significant site for Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Mana whenua embrace the artwork as a taonga, and Council’s kaumatua Don Te Maipi composed a new song for the blessing.

Tohorā is based on the traditional Aramoana pattern “pathway to the sea”, with ambient lighting and sound effects to evoke the passage of whales and the concept of journeying.

Kereama has designed Tohorā for people to interact with – walk along the top to trigger the sounds of whales and dolphins journeying through Te Rau o Te Rangi.

My approach is about interacting with Tohorā and making it a part of the place. The whole idea is that you need to interact with this work to fully understand it.

Tohorā is particularly beautiful in the darker hours.

Tohora by Kereama Taepa – by day (Maclean Park)

Tohora by Kereama Taepa – by night (Maclean Park)

Tohora Closeup